St Paul’s service marks Blitz 70 years on

A service was held in St Paul’s Cathedral in London today to mark 70 years since the start of the Blitz.

The service paid tribute to the courage of those who fought in the Battle of Britain and prevented a takeover of the country by the Nazis.

The 2,500 people who filled St Paul’s for the service included military personnel and former pilots and members of the emergency services who bravely served the public during the bombings.

Among the dignitaries attending was the Duke of Kent, who as Honorary Air Chief Marshal of the RAF was dressed in military uniform and took the royal salute outside after the service. Also present was the Lord Mayor of London, Nick Anstee.

The service was followed by a parade of air cadets and active servicemen and women alongside veterans. Dakota, Spitfire and Lancaster aircraft flew over the cathedral and the crowds of people who had gathered to watch the parade.

In his sermon, the Ven (Air Vice Marshal) Ray Pentland, paid tribute to everyone who had played a role in the Battle of Britain.

"Without the Battle of Britain there would have been no D-Day, no Victory in Europe," he said.

"We remember and celebrate those who won for us freedom through their bravery and sacrifice. Their deeds shall never be forgotten."

Pentland also spoke of the modern day threats to freedom.

"There are those who seek to undermine our values, who seek to destroy our way of life,” he said.

"We live daily with the evil of terrorism that would seek to take away that hard-won freedom that we celebrate today. It must not be allowed to do so."